Jim Morris MLB Debut, Highlights, & Pitching Mechanics

[@dougmaclennan8654]

Andy Reid lookalike?

[@stephenrice5938]

Minus 600 lbs.

[@Dwayne4007]

Discount aisle boomer wells

[@nomadbrad6391]

Or David Wells lookalike :-)

[@Zerbey]

His autobiography is well worth the read, sure his MLB career was pretty short in the end but he did something many people only dream of.

[@beachmasterX]

His is one of the few autobiographies that I've read more than one time.

[@nickcurran3105]

Even if he only faced that one batter Royce Clayton it would have been a tremendous story.

[@s.marshian8455]

@@nickcurran3105 True, it’s insane what he did if you truly think about it.

[@kbob9625]

He made it to the big show. That in and of itself is a crazy accomplishment. I should grab his book.

[@DJsaxby16]

And it’s a great story too, I mean being a science teacher and baseball coach and making it to the big leagues all within the span of a few months? How can anyone not love his story?

[@todds.6028]

And what makes it even better is hearing the great Tom Grieve, Bill Jones, and Eric Nadel call the debut. And they're Rangers broadcasters. Normally you'd expect them to be "homers"...but to hear their enthusiasm when he struck out Clayton...pretty cool!

[@Ljloving424]

This dude is and should be an inspiration for everybody. It’s never too late to fulfill your dreams. As long as you want it, you can get it.

[@chadrush573]

It was perfect, debut game back in Texas. I was always a huge ranger fan, but I think we were all rooting for him that day. What a great story.

[@cubsgo23]

One of the all-time great baseball stories.

[@thomasfinnell9681]

I can't get tired of this story, the movie is great. When he struck out Royce for his first Major League strikeout, I wouldn't have blamed him for being more animated. He acted like he'd been there his whole career. Class act.

[@EdsterIII]

Can you imagine how he felt? As you said if he did a huge fist 👊 punch into the air I wouldn't blame him, but he was as professional as a seasoned veteran. Amazing moment. Truly something few people ever experience.

[@red23rd]

Yep act like veteran, well he was a teacher and a coach after all, I believe he was a very good one. Very glad he put a good example for young kids especially his former students

[@EdsterIII]

Can you imagine, you get your shot, come in and strike out Royce Clayton? Imagine his classroom of kids cheering on their teacher? That's a epic story in itself. Truly shows that if you have the heart and are willing to give it your ALL, you might, might just get a chance to shine. Even though his career wasn't huge, this is a moment he'll never ever forget! Congratulations to him, and what an inspiration!👏 God Bless this 🙏 man, his family, his class, and everyone who tries to make a dream come true!

[@ultimatejoecolton]

There is a movie

[@bluesfan6862]

That’s the dream bro. Have a moment to shine in the Bigs, and then go back home to your wife and kids as the home town hero. Awesome story

[@drbonesshow1]

The movie Rookie did not make much of an attempt to determine how the once minor leaguer Morris who threw 87 mph (1983-1989) could 10 years later as a high school coach start throwing 95-98 mph. I contacted Jim Morris with my answer based in physics after I researched what he did after leaving baseball due to several arm injuries in 1989. In the early 1990s, he attended Angelo State University where in addition to being a student, he became an All-America punter (not QB) on the division-II football team. That's how I solved the problem: I went back to review his now major league pitching mechanics and I immediately saw the powerful hip-rotation of a punter. This is where the extra 10 mph came from. Most people don't know this, but the only punter in the NFL HOF Ray Guy was an all-around athlete who back when he played baseball threw 98 mph. Jim Morris developed tremendous hip power while punting, which he then brought to the mound. If you watch the video you will see what I mean as he turns with great power toward the plate. More on Ray Guy and baseball: www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Ray_Guy

[@spcooper94]

I appreciate your take & that's a very interesting theory on how Jim Morris was able to throw 98 MPH at 35 but not be able to crack 90 MPH in his 20's. I also would like know how he was able to accomplish this jump in velocity after doctors had told him he would never be able to pitch again due to his injuries. As a former pitcher who blew out my arm in college, this fascinates me. Also, he doesn't look to get much hip to shoulder separation. It may seem like he does at first glance because when his foot lands his shoulder looks pretty far back but when his back leg starts rotating until his hips start facing home plate, there seems to be very little separation in my opinion. But maybe you were referring to something different in noting his "hip power". Also, he doesn't get much front knee extension either. It's amazing he threw so hard... It truly is

[@drbonesshow1]

@@spcooper94Yes, I saw these video clips a few years ago when a writer asked me about Jim Morris (How did he do it?). After my analysis using especially this first clip mark 7:20 (I first saw in a movie review) I contacted Jim Morris (KZbin) to tell him. He was more inclined to think that his transformation was an act of God. We had a nice discussion, but I'm sure that I failed to convince him. BTW: after the movie his life went into a tail-spin from which he has begun to recover. My research into sports mechanics combines what I know about physics in connection with human biomechanics and the experiences that I've had (and continue to do so even at age 60) with throwing ans swing stuff. My work also connects the various things I've thrown and swung at a high level: (1) Baseball: threw 95 mph off the mound and threw a ball over 400 feet at the Orange Bowl (Miami) to win $500 (1988). (2) Football: threw 75 yard passes in a brief high school experience (getting hit wasn't for me) on a team which had 3 future NFL players (e.g., Tim Green) and (3) Tennis: hit a 140 mph tennis serve (NY Times 2018). So I might have a unique and different perspective from what instructors are teaching today. As I suggested to a small group of coaches at demonstration I gave recently: a good deal of the information in sports mechanics is mistaken information, which often has a simple physics explanation. However, few people step up to the plate, so to speak, to clarify these mistakes. I’m one of the few individuals who will take a swing at these mistakes; having skills both in swinging and throwing stuff and the physics behind it as The Nutty Professor of Sports. It is my goal to encourage others to step up to the plate in their sport (perhaps after having learned something new to them from my research) and question what they teach to their players/students. It was Einstein who said of his field: Never stop questioning.

[@HueyPPLong]

Hate to be the one to say it but how about steroids too? It was the era after all.

[@spcooper94]

​@@HueyPPLong Haha, if I had seen this comment years ago my first thought would be that there's no way he could have taken steroids because his body still looked like he was still a high school teacher when he made it to the big leagues... But if Bartolo Colon was caught for steroids looking the way he did then anything is possible I guess. ∙ Although, I may not quite be as qualified as Dr. Mueller here to answer your question, I have been studying the physics of pitching since I was in elementary school and have continued to learn as much as I can about pitching ever since and for about the past 15 years. ∙ Maybe Dr. Mueller can back me up on my theory about how steroids effect a pitcher's velocity but in my opinion, I believe that steroids may help a pitcher maintain his velocity as he ages (take Roger Clemens for example) but not so much in helping him improve his velocity. Even during the steroid era, we have never seen a pitcher like Jacob deGrom at this point continue to increase his velo. ∙ It really hasn't been until the last 5-10 years or so with the rise of this Driveline Baseball led Age of Learned Velocity where so many advancements have been made that so many pitchers are being taught to throw faster, even later in their careers.

[@EdsterIII]

@@HueyPPLong Maybe he just worked hard? Why does there always have to be some kind of chemical involved. This world ALWAYS has to see the one possible negative and exploit it. My point is people who see this story an got inspired by it, then sees a "accusation" of steroids and poof they start the disbelief discussion and pretty soon with no evidence, the man is being lynched by social media. Now I'm NOT saying you did this. Your point wasn't posed as a shot, but society now always wants to show everyone as a failure or a cheat. I miss the 70's when all this social justice and social media crap didn't exist!

[@Musiccafe5890]

By far one of my favorite baseball movies. I love this story and I have always wanted to see some real footage of Jim Morrison pitching. Thank you for uploading this gem. He had good stuff too, he struck out the Big Hurt-Frank Thomas of the White Sox who is a Hall of famer. In that year Frank was on his game so that wasn't a mercy strikeout.

[@jamesrobertsonrobertson5690]

I agree, this is fantastic and inspiring!!

[@richardsylvanus2717]

Jim Morrison sang for the Doors in the late 60s

[@Jroc90903]

Frank was always on. It says a lot, amazing story . He said the movie was pretty accurate about how it lined with everything for real

[@joeclayton2121]

Jim Morrison died in 1971

[@stuartbaron418]

@@richardsylvanus2717Which is completely irrelevant.

[@fluff2001]

I grew up with Jimmy in Brownwood. I batted against him many times in summer leagues . He was throwing in the 90/s as a 16 year old. He was also a pretty good football player on our state championship team ... He kicked a 50 yd field goal I remember ...... and yeah, I think I hit him a few times and he got me a few but he was throwing smoke way back in 1980

[@pbsimmons2303]

Did you stroke it to his pitching

[@dougt5357]

Having watched the movie several times it is great to see the real 'rookie' in action! Thanks for sharing!

[@jwill55kings]

this dude had 13 strikeouts in 15 innings for his career that's pretty crazy

[@mrstifler8987]

It’s terrible Lmao.

[@Frecklefart-90]

​@@mrstifler8987Better than what you've ever achieved 😂😂

[@mrstifler8987]

@@Frecklefart-90 we’ll see. I’m on the Washington National minor league team. How much you wanna bet I’ll do better than this goofball. Put your money where your mouth is

[@bandito4492]

@@mrstifler8987 buddy he was 35 with 5 shoulder surgerys at that time. that’s literally impossible for a lot of people at his age. idk why u think that’s terrible i bet u can’t touch ur feet with that gut in the way.

[@mrstifler8987]

@@bandito4492 I guarantee I’m in better shape than anyone in this comment section. Including you. Nobody is saying his story isn’t impressive. It is. But 13 K’s in 15 innings is not a stat to go crazy about. Let’s be real.

[@typocoproject]

I just finished the movie about his story. What an inspiration, truly.

[@spcooper94]

@@typocoproject I fully agree

[@734wheeler5]

Watching this movie right now. Too good. What a freaking story this is!!

[@STFU255]

It really just shows you that it's NEVER to late to live your dreams

[@peternaungayan4719]

What a great story! It’s the American Dream! I was really happy for him!

[@freemanlacroix674]

My 18th birthday. I will never forget this game.

[@hmhm856]

Wow, he was facing Jim Edmonds and Mo Vaughn in the Angels game. He got them both on fly outs to center field. And then he got Tim Salmon He then struck out a rookie Alfonso Soriano of the Yankees He struck out Frank Thomas

[@alwillk]

He also gave up bombs to Roberto alomar and Brian McRae. And Omar vizquel had 4 rbi vs him.

[@SvanMagic]

25 years today, Jim Morris makes history.

[@arthurradley5372]

"How can you not be romantic about baseball"

[@paulenger-dt1bw]

I consider myself a man's man but get me watching the end of the Natural, Field of Dreams, forget about it, I'm in tears every time.. I only made it to college as a right hand pitcher. You're absolutely right, baseball is a beautiful thing.

[@jasona6959]

Jim Morris story was very cool. He never gave up and finally made is debut at 35 he showed hard work always pays off well done

[@markarnold6257]

To all those commenting on his age and how old he looks, try teaching high school science for ten years…

[@red23rd]

Good point, yeah haha, man I remember my self and friends in highschool now haha

[@mattfortheguinn4037]

Ha! Facts!!

[@Nikko170]

Teaching high school....thats the easiest job out there.

[@sntstafford]

@@Nikko170Let me know when you have the opportunity to teach high school, then let us know ten years later on how easy it is.

[@tigermike74]

For all that criticizing him, how many have made it to MLB.

[@jeffreysmith6604]

Morris was also a all american punter as well in high school. But he loved baseball. If he never had injuries i believe he would have had a long career in baseball. Maybe pitching in the low 90s to 95. He had a wicked slider and his control was exceptional. Big man too. 6'3" 235.

[@rickhicks6833]

I remember following the story as it unfolded during the season. I had the thought that it would make a great movie. Loved the movie.

[@ricshorror]

Talk about following your heart. I love it.

[@kevinperry2492]

still one of my favorite baseball stories

[@algiudice7465]

my buddy, Rob Semeraro, may have an chance this year.... His dad played with the pirates in the 70s.....after many surgeries...and also became a teacher @44 years old he's throwing over 102mph... Lord, I hope he makes it after all hes been through....

[@danielbowers457]

The Rookie is such a beautiful movie for baseball lovers

[@nickbillings8668]

I think I got emo like 2 times during this video lol!!! The inspiration and joy those kids must have felt. Amazing! Big salute!!

[@IAmJoeJericho]

I loved the movie, "The Rookie".

[@tipico_chipeord]

Amazing story, cheers from the DR.

[@bri-guy1778]

great story, what an inspiration! 💚

[@davidluchsinger7377]

Dreams can come true.

[@5ledan]

This is crazy. They should make a movie out of this

[@anastyles2564]

There is, is called The Rookie.

[@bobbowie9350]

Lol

[@michaelmccurry2314]

Some of the best jerseys in 1999

[@billbillings9609]

I grew up on baseball movies , the rookie was one of the ones that inspired me the most

[@spcooper94]

Same!!

[@Mr.Jtea3]

Wow that’s pretty crazy and awesome he tried out in June wasn’t even an off-season pick, and then a couple months later he’s making his debut. Salute.

[@ernestpassaro9663]

A great story about perseverance

[@louisfalkenstein5917]

What a feel good moment!

[@SwoteOffical]

Wonderful story

[@noeltaylor3594]

I remember watching that game and never forgot how Royce Clayton seemed to have no clue or a chance.

[@wmst5065]

_"Morris... you're in!"_

[@teecee2949]

GARDENHOSER!

[@wmst5065]

@@teecee2949 "What did he call me?"

[@JWex-jy7sk]

My goodness I watched The Rookie for the first time in 2012 and was hoping somebody would finally post the actual debut itself! Thank you for this! How’d you find the footage?

[@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821]

The real highlight of the rookie.

[@dwaynegalvin8799]

A great story and Dennis Quaid played it so well!

[@spcooper94]

He definitely did!

[@ericwiitala5407]

Love his story and the movie.

[@3482-h8c]

As a former baseball player and an old man now, I love this story

[@kevinscarborough9982]

@ 2:52 mark... Announcer..."Jim Morris in his major league debrew." He wanted to buy Morris a beer. 🤣🍺

[@elizabethr4107]

He's fantastic!

[@skoop7641]

Loved this story!

[@extramile150]

tremendous ... great movie, too.

[@TestarossaRocks]

The old Tampa Bay logo was 🔥

[@TomRomanofski]

AcEs, before you people who lack a higher power also lack (as do I) knowledge of man's rules , know they do not know em either proble) I sat this knowing GOD'S fifteen oops ten commandments. Best wishes rudi

[@Rockhound6165]

All in all he was an OK pitcher. His numbers bear that out. But he did have the skills. Probably needed some honing of them with a pro pitching coach. Used primarily in mop up duty. However, he did what he thought was the impossible and after years out of the game was able to finally make it. 13 strikeouts in 15 innings is pretty impressive and watching this video he had a nasty slider. As the commentator put it "Steve Carlton like". His faults seem to be control. He had 9 walks in those 15 innings but kudos in making it finally. Sadly he developed arm trouble and only pitched in 21 games. But he made it. No one can take that away from him.

[@jasongarbers3327]

It's great even for just a moment in time if you can be one of the ones fortunate to follow your dreams.

[@nizloc4118]

Such a great story... Damn... nostalgia... hearing Physioc and Hudler calling Angel games...

[@lynnchelewski2965]

Way cool! Love this story!

[@Franchise2930]

Back in 1999, 35 year old baseball players looked and moved like they were in their 50’s.

[@HT-sm9dm]

This is actually the only era where adults look and act like children. So this is the outlier not Jim Morris’ era. We’re in the literal weirdest era of any species on probably any planet lol. Real creepy.

[@justfacts1673]

Better average, less strikeouts, bunted when need to.

[@Neckrollios18]

It's an illusion

[@bluesfan6862]

Like someone else says, our current gen is just weird. You look at HS kids from Jim’s time and they look 25. Kids in HS today look 11. Kids are babied(most don’t work until they’re in college now), hormonal issues, and mental health issues. Honestly this generation is sad.

[@deadarmd]

He wasn't a pro athlete lol. He was a teacher for years haha

[@martinpye549]

Brilliant stuff. Respect from the UK.

[@spcooper94]

Thanks! Much love from the U.S.

[@mc76]

1999 Announcer: "Wow, he throws 95." 2023 Announcer: "He only throws 95, but with late movement."

[@SynsityGW]

lol right. verlander out there at age 40 hits 95 routinely. degrom at 34, if he threw a 95 mph fastball people would be saying "uh oh what's wrong with degrom now?"

[@robloxvids2233]

​@SynsityGW Finding lefties that threw 95+ back then was not easy. Randy Johnson and Billy Wagner could. One is in the HOF and the other is borderline. I'm sure there were others I'm missing but a lefty throwing this kinda heat back then was super rare.

[@uncltrain]

Thanks Jim, and Coop😊

[@RamsayboltonSnow]

Thanks for making this

[@calebc6028]

What an amazing story

[@420killa]

He is the one guy who was telling the truth when he said "I could have been on the majors"

[@patton303]

The Rookie is now free on KZbin movies. Great flick if you’ve never seen it.

[@marcmaza2821]

The only one science teacher in the world can do this!

[@jakesanchez3970]

IMHO if you are fan of baseball, you gotta love this story!

[@Rockhound6165]

I didn't notice the first time I saw this video. He struck out the Big Hurt. 6:57

[@Jondsmusic]

What an absolutely incredibly story! God is good all the time! Proof that great things can happen all the time, despite the odds and what the world says!

[@Smllc22318]

Except for when those child soldiers in Liberia get their arms chopped off but yeah let’s not bring that up right

[@Jondsmusic]

@@Smllc22318 what the heck does that hade to do with what we’re discussing? Kind or rude and random don’t you think? Boy you must be a lot of fun at parties!

[@IHateNicolasCage]

@@Smllc22318 There’s always one….. 🤦‍♂️

[@agheoane]

​@@Smllc22318 god couldn't help all those dying kids, he has sports to take care of

[@johnyork5138]

Just a kid, 35. His whole life ahead of him. Go man,

[@Hhhk345]

Really awesome 👏

[@travelingkim6810]

Left handed, 95mph, can throw some stirkes Ofcourse u can play in big league!

[@Robsam28]

The movie is a classic.

[@meh_cromancer]

As a 33 year old, it's hard for me to believe this dude is 35 in this video

[@FootballClubDavid_WI_USA]

I'm 39 and look much younger than he does.

[@HT-sm9dm]

Dude y’all grew up in an era where adults have zero responsibilities until they hit maybe their 40s or even 50s. Jim Morris grew up when people had to become serious adults by the age of 21-22.

[@dannyc.2039]

@@HT-sm9dm nobody asked

[@GeoJesse]

I’m 30 and I can’t imagine looking like this in 5 years 😂😂😂 Although the mustache probably ages him a bit and I can grow a pretty good one. Maybe when I’m 35 I’ll try it out and see what I look like 😂😂😂

[@fatkat311]

35 or 55?

[@nickhorn8296]

Still one of the toughest jersey/hat combos in baseball history

[@jarrod6577]

대단한 사람이네.. 많은 나이에도.. 멋진 친구.. 그것도 학교 선생님이었다니..대단하다..

[@truthhurtswilky7785]

After four arm surgeries, it's amazing he had anything left. How about striking out Hall Of Famer Frank Thomas? A great story.

[@patrickroche7799]

Great story. Definition of perseverance.

[@kellyford5903]

So true!! Definitely NOT something ya see much these days, right?! ‘Course, in fairness, May in fact be SO MANY out there working their azzzzzez off…just doesn’t make “the news”. Gives me hope if there is 😎

[@Bigphil8707]

I know him personally and he is an amazing man and father

[@mtsflorida]

My Dad also I played pro baseball before I was born. He was proud I took after him but my first tind at bat with a major league pitcher Mat Keough and Wilkins was a rough time. But my happiest day was getting called up after the military to be on the Florida HP team at 50! Don't f stop following your dreams.

[@michaelboard7925]

Thank you for this video

[@rydawg7629]

35 years old and doesn't look a day over 52.

[@yaniktydetmer4153]

Respect

[@Dj_________]

I remember when this guy was called up, I was 21 years old and he seemed ancient, lol. Now I’m nearly 46 years old, and 35 sounds pretty young to me, ha ha ha!!

[@bmoresandlotsproductions]

But Jim did play Minor League Baseball before he became Teacher. Arm injury stopped him, but it heeled over time and he threw harder.

[@lamarbrown619]

Wow he struck out Royce Clayton for his First MLB Strikeout🏆✅

[@alelitty7214]

35 yrs old my ass! I’m 32 years old and that man looks like he can be my uncle

[@MMUUA]

Jim Morris !

[@ブレイヴフェンサ]

I can only imagine how his career would have been if he wasn’t injury and gotten to the bigs in his 20’s

[@eamonkelley3811]

Awesome story

[@MMAALL]

They need to make a movie about this.

[@DiegoGonzalez-tp4lt]

🤦‍♂️

[@thomasdickey1397]

Um they did

[@MMAALL]

@@thomasdickey1397 I know. It was a joke.

[@LostBeagle]

They did. You just watched it

[@pewcfpv8056]

Such a stretch but, this gives me hope as a 28 year old who hasn't played since College.

[@k.s.7104]

Not sure whats better lol? Making your major league debut at 35 or having Dennis Quaid play you in a movie OMG!

[@seanguzy9601]

Cant imagine Dennis Quaid having a mustache in The Rookie.

[@poshko41]

I remember when this happened. I thought he seemed so old. Now I’m the old one.

[@guysalzmann9302]

Actually a chemistry teacher-

[@user-zr6pl6nb6z]

At 5:28 why does it say 7.36 ERA and the announcer says "Zero ERA"?

[@gbond]

35 was a different look back then. LOL shout out to Jim Morris

[@Blokewood3]

At 2:45 the catcher points with his hand before the umpire makes the same gesture. Does anyone know what that was about?

[@trentbrodish9152]

The batter made a checked swing. "A checked swing is when a batter tries to hold the bat back after starting the swing. If the bat breaks the plane of the bottom of home plate, it’s counted as a strike." When a checked swing happens, usually the home plate umpire will call on the 1st base or 3rd base umpire to make the call on if the batter performed a full swing or if he stopped his swing in time to have it not be considered a strike (if pitch was out of strike zone). Since the batter was batting righty (right handed), the catcher and umpire point to the first base umpire (who has better view of right hand batters) to make the call on if the batter fully swung the bat or not.

[@Blokewood3]

@@trentbrodish9152 Thanks.

[@hugoacabrera563]

Magnificent... Why Not

[@frozentspark2105]

Rookie of the year

[@ryanbeverley1546]

Not the most textbook delivery. A lot of things you can nit-pik or try to improve. But it worked. It doesn't have to look pretty to be effective.